There’s more to retirement planning than making sure you have enough money saved. You also need a plan for how you’re going to spend it, and a big part of that is where you’re going to live and what your lifestyle is going to look like once you do retire. One of the biggest parts of that plan is deciding where you’re going to live in retirement – and if that involves a move, you may even want to do it before you retire. It could be a move you make as an empty nester or just to make sure you’re at your most financially capable.
What factors should you consider when you’re planning where you want to live in retirement? Location, lifestyle, proximity to family, and amenities should all factor into your consideration.
1. Lifestyle
Many homebuyers planning for retirement consider moving into adult lifestyle communities, where they know the neighborhood is going to be more their pace.
Adult lifestyle communities offer a calmer, quieter neighborhood and a more relaxed pace of life. They don’t have the same rush-to-work, rush-to-pick-up-the-kids atmosphere that more family-oriented communities have.
Besides less traffic, it’s also quieter and more peaceful. It helps when your neighbors are all at a similar place in life.
2. Location
If you could move anywhere you wanted, would you stay close to home? It’s not uncommon for people to retire close to home so that they can stay close to their friends and families. They want to be a big part of their grandchildren’s lives, stay close so family holiday traditions stay alive, and keep connected to their social networks.
While Sun Belt climates may seem tempting with their warm, sunny weather, you can wind up losing more than you bargained for by moving far away.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t move out of the city if that’s what you’ve always wanted. Are there quieter, more rural regions that are still close to towns and cities where your family lives and where amenities aren’t hard to come by?
3. Amenities
Retiring can be an exciting opportunity. No longer restricted by your commute and proximity to the workplace, you can go wherever you want! But you might want to think twice before you head out to an isolated community. Quiet is one thing, but you also want to be close to certain amenities like:
- Hospitals and healthcare services, including pharmacies and family doctors, which can be hard to find in smaller and more remote communities.
- Shopping, and not just for essentials, but also for entertainment, gifts, and something to treat yourself with.
- Entertainment and dining for a romantic night out.
- Recreational activities like golf courses, cycling trails, etc.
- Cultural amenities, like theatre, art galleries, or civic organizations.
If you’re on the fence about choosing a place to retire, take a vacation and spend some time getting a feel for the locations on your shortlist. Don’t be afraid to try them out in less-than-perfect seasons, either, so you can get a feel for the place when it’s not perfect.
You may also read: 7 Benefits of Sending a Loved One to a Senior Living Community